Municipal Business Development Manager

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a business development strategy to grow Valdes’ project pipeline with municipal clients, targeting municipal government leaders across the Chicagoland area, and with selective outreach in Wisconsin and Indiana
• Identify and pursue project opportunities in municipal buildings and infrastructure engineering, including municipal facilities (e.g., public works buildings, vehicle maintenance facilities, fire/police stations, village/city halls), roadway and bridge improvements, and water/wastewater infrastructure, stormwater management
• Leverage existing relationships and build new ones with key municipal stakeholders to position Valdes early for upcoming projects, ensuring alignment with client needs and funding cycles (e.g., MFT, state/federal grants)
• Collaborate with the Vice President-Buildings, Director of Transportation, and Director of Utilities-Water/Wastewater to align business development efforts with Valdes’ strategic goals for delivering quality architecture and engineering services to the municipal sector
• Maintain a deep understanding of the Chicagoland municipal market, including public works priorities, procurement processes, and regulatory requirements (e.g., IDOT, IEPA, MWRD)
• Work with the marketing team to create tailored materials (proposals, presentations, brochures) that highlight Valdes’ municipal buildings and infrastructure engineering capabilities
• Represent Valdes at municipal-focused events, such as village board meetings, public hearings, and industry gatherings, often requiring evening availability
• Actively participate in industry organizations (e.g., IACP, IFCA, APWA, ASCE, American Public Works Association, Illinois Municipal League) to enhance Valdes’ visibility and network with municipal decision-makers
• Track and report on business development metrics, including client interactions, project opportunities, and win rates, to support strategic growth

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in municipal building design and infrastructure engineering, with a focus on projects involving Chicagoland municipalities or similar clients
• Demonstrated experience engaging with public works directors, fire/police chiefs, village engineers, village managers, or similar municipal stakeholders to secure design for public works projects
• Strong understanding of municipal project workflows, including design, permitting, funding (e.g., MFT, TIF, grants), and construction for buildings, transportation, and water/wastewater projects
• Proven track record in business development or sales within the architecture, engineering, or public works sector, with the ability to promote multidisciplinary services
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills to build trust and maintain relationships with municipal clients
• Willingness to attend evening public meetings, hearings, or industry events as needed to engage with municipal stakeholders.
• Must possess exceptional interpersonal and organizational skills
• Must be able to work in the US without sponsorship now or in the future